6 Smart Money Habits of Introverts

It can be hard to be an introvert in our extroverted world. If you're like me, you tend to fib to get out of making weekend plans. "I'm busy," can mean anything from, "I'm sitting on the couch watching Netflix," to "I'm going out to dinner, but will be enjoying my own company."

In fact, life can be difficult enough for introverts that many end up pretending to be extroverts just to get through the day, and ultimately exhausting themselves. However, there are some perks that come with being an introvert, especially when it comes to money. Here are just a few financially great habits introverts tend to possess.

1. They're less likely to keep up with the Joneses

Most introverts value their relationships, and they tend to choose their friends carefully. They aren't likely to choose people who are superficial, or need to be impressed. Thus, introverts are less likely to spend money in order to fit in. If that's what it takes to build a relationship with someone, an introvert is likely to walk away. (See also: 4 Money Lessons You Can Learn From the Joneses)

2. Staying home is a given

Staying home is cheaper than going out. Even if you make a nice meal for a few friends, it's going to be less expensive than buying them all dinner at a restaurant. Renting a movie is cheaper than going to one, and having a dance party in the living room is cheaper than heading to a club. Simply by being more likely to stay home, introverts are also likely to spend less. (See also: The 12 Best Weekend Activities for Introverts)

3. They tend to shop from home

It's easy to get carried away in the store. After all, you like that shirt, and that one, and that one, too. And then there's the clearance rack. And oh, look at this cool accessory rack by the register. Why not just buy them all, especially if you promise yourself you'll bring back whatever doesn't fit? Because introverts are more likely to stay home, they're also more likely to avoid the kind of impulse buying that can happen at a store (Target, I'm looking at you).

Of course, there are plenty of impulse purchase options while shopping online, and a site like Amazon is happy to make recommendations on items you should add to your cart, but it's not quite the same level of temptation as seeing recent markdowns right in front of you as the cashier takes several minutes to ring up all your items. This can save introverts quite a bit of money in the long run. (See also: 7 Effortless Ways to Prevent Budget-Busting Impulse Buys)

4. Recharging is a priority

Introverts know when their mental, emotional, and physical batteries are running out of juice, and they are quick to spend time alone in order to recharge. This helps them maintain the kind of mental strength that allows them to say no to impulse buys, and to make better financial decisions overall. Retail therapy might feel good in the moment, but it can often lead to buyer's remorse, and even worse, debt. So while introverts are not immune to stress-induced shopping, because they prioritize self-care and taking time to recharge, they are more likely to enter into a moneymaking decision with a clear head. (See also: 5 Ways Self Care Can Actually Save You Money)

5. They value one-on-one interactions

Introverts tend to value deep relationships. They love to have one-on-one conversations, or have coffee with just a few people. Most of the time, they don't need some of the bigger, flashier experiences that extroverts tend to value. They prefer small groups over large crowds, and quiet over bright lights and loud noises. Since these experiences — concerts, festivals, clubs — are often costly, introverts tend to keep money in their wallets. (See also: Throw an Awesome Potluck Dinner With These 6 Easy Tricks)

6. They make decisions carefully

A 2010 study found that extroverts are more likely to seek instant gratification, whereas introverts tend to delay rewards and invest in a larger payoff down the road. While introverts might see and desire the same item that an extrovert does, the introvert will be less likely to make the purchase right away. So they aren't as motivated to reward themselves, and can take the time to consider whether it's a smart purchase, or there's a better way to spend that money. (See also: 7 Everyday Situations That Introverts Ace)

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